Newcastle with teenagers
This is a day in Newcastle for teenagers. It covers surf lessons at Nobbys, a historic fort, the harbour ferry, an indoor ninja course and a lit skate bowl. Newcastle Surf School and Fort Scratchley are in Newcastle East (3.8 km from the centre). Ninja Parc is 1.7 km out, and Charlestown Skate Park is 6.5 km out. Only the skate park is free.
Pick two or three stops. The surf school is year-round, and its lessons are listed for ages 5 to 17. Fort Scratchley is closed on Tuesdays, so the whole plan works Wednesday to Monday. Bring swimmers and a towel for the surf, and a helmet and board or scooter for the skate park.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Newcastle Surf School
- Late morning: Fort Scratchley
- Afternoon: Stockton Ferry
- Afternoon: Ninja Parc Newcastle
- Late afternoon: Charlestown Skate Park (Chip Bowl)
Morning
Take a surf lesson
Newcastle Surf School, Newcastle East · Surfing & Water Sports · Ages 5-17 · From $25
Year-round surf lessons for kids and families at Nobbys, Blacksmiths and Caves beaches, plus an after-school kids program. It gives teens something to learn and do outdoors.
Tip: A school holiday group lesson of 90 minutes is listed at $90. Check the listing for times and bookings.
Late morning
Tour Fort Scratchley's tunnels
Fort Scratchley, Newcastle East · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 0-17 · From $0
A historic harbour fort with guided tunnel tours, old guns and museum galleries. It is in Newcastle East, the same suburb as the surf school.
Tip: Closed Tuesdays. Child (4 to 14) tunnel tour is listed at $9.50 and adult at $16.50.
Afternoon
Ride the Stockton Ferry
Stockton Ferry, Newcastle · Tours & Cruises · Ages 0-17 · From $0 · 4.0 stars (1 reviews)
A five-minute public ferry across Newcastle Harbour between Queens Wharf and Stockton, paid with Opal or a contactless card. A cheap way to see the harbour from the water.
Tip: The child and youth Opal fare for ages 4 to 15 is listed at $1.65, or $1.15 off-peak.
Afternoon
Climb at Ninja Parc
Ninja Parc Newcastle, Cooks Hill · Climbing & Ninja Warrior · Ages 5-17 · From $13.95
An indoor ninja course, climbing walls, high ropes and a zipline in Cooks Hill. A good option if the weather turns.
Tip: A one-hour pass for ages 6 and above is listed at $16.95 off-peak and $20.95 at peak.
Late afternoon
Finish at Charlestown Skate Park
Charlestown Skate Park (Chip Bowl), Charlestown · Skateparks · Ages 0-17 · Free
A lit, bowl-style skate park in Charlestown with bowls from 1.2 m to 3 m, for skateboards, BMX and scooters. It is free, and the lights mean you can stay later.
Tip: Free to use. It is 6.5 km from the centre.
Prices, hours and map for Charlestown Skate Park (Chip Bowl)
Before you go
- Fort Scratchley is closed on Tuesdays, so the whole plan works Wednesday to Monday.
- Surf lessons are listed for ages 5 to 17 and run at Nobbys, Blacksmiths and Caves beaches.
- Charlestown Skate Park is free and lit. Bring a helmet.
- Ninja Parc closes at 4pm on weekends and 7pm on weekdays.
Questions parents ask
What is there for teenagers to do in Newcastle?
Teens can take a surf lesson with Newcastle Surf School, climb at Ninja Parc, tour the tunnels at Fort Scratchley or skate the bowls at Charlestown Skate Park. The Stockton Ferry is a cheap harbour ride.
Is there a skate park in Newcastle?
Charlestown Skate Park (Chip Bowl) is a free, lit, bowl-style park with bowls from 1.2 m to 3 m for skateboards, BMX and scooters. It is in Charlestown, 6.5 km from the centre.
Can teenagers take surf lessons in Newcastle?
Newcastle Surf School runs year-round lessons at Nobbys, Blacksmiths and Caves beaches, listed for ages 5 to 17. A school holiday group lesson of 90 minutes is listed at $90.
More days in Newcastle with kids
- Your first day in Newcastle with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day in Newcastle with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Newcastle with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- A free day out in Newcastle with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Newcastle with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Visiting Newcastle with kids: all guides